Ellesmere College vs Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 45 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ellesmere College
Leeston · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
575 students
Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa
Christchurch · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,295 students
| Measure | Ellesmere College Leeston, Canterbury | Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa Christchurch, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 52 Top 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #38 of 57 | #44 of 57 |
| National rank | #218 of 486 | #259 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 575 | 1,295 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 462 | 464 |
| Total roll | 575 | 1,295 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7% | -3.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 90.2% | 76.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 47.1% | 50.6% |
| Māori students | 18.3% | 23.5% |
| Pacific students | 3.3% | 8% |
| International students | 2.8% | 2.5% |
| suburb or town | Leeston | Christchurch |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.ellesmere.school.nz | www.shirley.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Ellesmere College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (52.3 vs 46.9).
- •Ellesmere College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (462 vs 464).
- •Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa does better on roll size (1,295 vs 575).
- •Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa does better on roll growth (5 years) (-3.6% vs -7%).
- •Ellesmere College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (90.2% vs 76.7%).
- •Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa is the larger school with 1,295 students compared with 575.
- •Ellesmere College is co-educational and Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa is boys.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ellesmere College better than Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa?
On the Success Index (NZ), Ellesmere College ranks higher (52.3 vs 46.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Ellesmere College and Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa?
About 45 km in a straight line, between Leeston and Christchurch in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ellesmere College: 462. Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa: 464. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ellesmere College and Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa rank in Canterbury?
Ellesmere College is 38th of 57 and Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa is 44th of 57 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).